McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's Corporation is a $ 100 billion dollar fast-food restaurant chain. Back in the day, it dominated it's industry. Yet, today it's challenged by all it's former competitors and new ones.

Competition is ferocious, no doubt. But is McDonald's business stale due to the competition or is it self inflicted? I believe it is more the later than the former and here is why.

Part 1

The other day I was roaming the streets of Montreal after a corporate Christmas party. I was walking on St. Catherine's street (corner of University street) at 03:00 in the morning, desperately seeking a coffee to fight the cold weather.

It is important to note that this was a Saturday night and all the bars close at that same time. Most restaurants get flooded with clients exiting the bar scene, looking for some comfort food.

When I arrived at the counter, I immediately requested a medium coffee (black) and asked if they had any of those apple turnovers they sell. I was shocked by what the clerk responded; "sorry, we're closed for a few hours"!

What? Your closed? She said it was about routine cleaning or something (and yes, there was a few staff mopping the floors).

Can you believe it? One of the worlds largest fast food chain, downtown Montreal, at a time where tens of thousands of individuals are about to hit the streets and look for food, and McDonalds... was closed for business!

Part 2

Just last night, at around 21:40 (West off the island of Montreal), I was a little hungry. McDonald's is not normally my first choice, but I was tired and wanted something quick so that I could go home even quicker.

So when I got to the counter, I asked for "the chicken sandwich which is grilled, not the 'cryspy' one, baked in oil" -- yes, I know that I don't know their menu too well. Every time I order a "chicken sandwich" without specifying the details, I always get the breaded one cooked in oil.

The lady at the counter responded that she could not serve that sandwich since "the grills are no longer available".

What? A major fast-food restaurant and you can't even serve grilled chicken in the evening? How sad is that!

I was too hungry and tired to go looking for something else, so I unfortunately had to eat chicken nuggets that were baked in disgusting oil. Probably the second time at that by the looks of them.